The Tunisian National Heritage Institute (INP) has announced the launch of two international bids for the restoration and development of the Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Okba Ibn Nafaa Mosque. The project is funded by a donation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, provided through the Saudi Development Fund (SFD), as per a memorandum of understanding signed on July 27, 2017.
The bids, numbered 01/2026 and 02/2026, aim to restore and enhance the mosque and its surroundings in the Kairouan governorate. The deadline for bid submissions is December 18, 2026, with the opening sessions to be held at the INP headquarters in Tunis on the same day. The first bid focuses on general infrastructure works for the project's first component, including the mosque and its immediate environment.
The first bid is open to Tunisian, Saudi, and international construction companies, or their consortiums, that are approved by the Ministry of Equipment. The second bid, however, targets specialized restoration of the mosque's wooden heritage elements and is open to national and foreign entities with proven expertise in art restoration.
The Great Mosque of Kairouan is a significant Islamic monument and a masterpiece of universal architecture. Located in the heart of Kairouan, a city inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since December 7, 1988, the mosque is a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Kairouan, the first Muslim city founded in the Maghreb, played a crucial role in the evolution and dissemination of Arab-Muslim civilization. For five centuries, it was considered the capital and a major center of Arab-Muslim culture in the Maghreb. The city's monuments, archaeological treasures, and cultural significance make it a living museum of Arab-Muslim arts and civilization.
The restoration project aims to preserve the mosque's value and authenticity while showcasing its historical and cultural importance. The INP has made the bid documents and administrative details available on its official website for interested parties to access.
The successful bidders will be responsible for the restoration and development of the Great Mosque of Kairouan, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The project is expected to highlight Tunisia's commitment to cultural heritage conservation and its cooperation with international partners in this field.
Key points
- The Great Mosque of Kairouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant Islamic monument.
- The restoration project is funded by a Saudi Arabian donation through the Saudi Development Fund.
- The bids are open to international companies with expertise in construction and art restoration.
